In June 2010, there were only a couple of solar panel installations on houses in Merredin and following a couple of presentations on home solar installations, one organised by local community group Small Green Steps and a solar collective driven by the Merredin Shire, there are now well over 50 installations.

The Merredin Shire even got in on the act, installing 10 systems on properties it owns.

This was a timely move, given that the 47 cent net feed-in tariff ended for new installations in July last year.

While a net feed-in tariff is no longer being paid for new installations, Synergy is still paying seven cents per kilowatt an hour through the renewable energy buy-back scheme.

Small Green Steps member Renee Manning said even with the feed-in tariff no longer in effect it was still a good time for people interested in installing a solar system on their roof.

With the price of solar installations decreasing and the price of electricity only seeming to increase, investment in a solar energy system is still worthwhile.

Monique Montgomery had a 1.5KW system installed about a year ago and said it was good to not have to pay another power bill and to be in credit for a change.

Terry Pick also had a 1.5KW system installed and said it was a great help and made their household much more power-wise, in that they limit big power using items during the day, such as the washing machine, dishwasher and spa.

“We turn these on at night, that way, the 47 cent per unit rebate works to my advantage,” Terry said.

“We have a credit account with Synergy at the moment and it should remain that way until the winter; we use more power in the winter, as our airconditioning is evaporative and it uses minimal electricity.”